Pleasure Bound

Episode 8: Pleasure, Pain & Overcoming Overwhelm

Pleasure, Pain & Overcoming Overwhelm Life can be beautiful and brutal at the same time — and this episode holds space for both.In a tender, raw, and deeply human conversation, Kelsey and Kate explore  their relationships  with pleasure during seasons of exhaustion, pain, and overwhelm.  Together they get honest about intimacy, dissociation, desire, and the longing to feel fully present in their bodies again.  Kelsey shares how she's been reconnecting through water — as a tool for intentionality, nervous system regulation, and moving through life with more care and awareness. Kate opens up about her desire for a Rolodex of care-minded fuck buddies, and what we're really craving when we want to "fuck the pain away." From sensuality and overwhelm to embodiment, disability, and the exhausting mental load of directing your own care — this episode is a space for the messy, nuanced reality of pleasure as both refuge and reconnection. Plus: a surprisingly profound extended ice cream metaphor, you won't want to miss! Raw, reflective, and deeply human — this conversation invites you to ask: what does pleasure look like for you right now, and what would it mean to come back home to yourself with intention? Content note: This episode touches on pain management, substance use, and numbing behaviors. If you're struggling, you are not alone — please reach out to a trusted resource or helpline. 24/7 helpline 844-289-0879 References: Dr Emoto Hidden Messages of Water book - Dr. Emoto Hidden Messages of Water [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hidden-Messages-in-Water/Masaru-Emoto/Masaru-Emoto-Legacy-Library/9780743289801] Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow - https://www.francisweller.net/books.html [https://www.francisweller.net/books.html] Sinners Movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31193180/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31193180/] Dipsea app for sultry stories- https://www.dipseastories.com/ [https://www.dipseastories.com/] Substance Abuse and Addiction Hotline- 24/7 helpline 844-289-0879 Time Stamps (0:00) – Cold open: Kate's poem about power & disability (1:17) – Intro: Accessing pleasure in times of pain, burnout & overwhelm (2:42) – Check-in: How they're each arriving (tired, overstimulated, survival mode) (4:07) – Balancing Productivity, Pressure & Pleasure  (9:19) – Survival Tip: Pleasure doesn't have to be big (12:00) – Nature as medicine: trees, Mabel, grounding rituals (15:09) – Channeling Tina Turner & calling in divine help (18:20) – Kelsey's go-tos: grief, pain, isolation & connecting with water (23:55) – Dr. Emoto & the healing power of water; whispering intentions into tea (26:00) – Kate's go-tos: Ho'oponopono: talking to your body in pain (29:35) – Pain relief: shame, fear of addiction & Numbing vs. Conscious relief (34:29) — What’s underneath the urge to "want to fuck it away” (38:11) — Kelsey's turning point: grief group, dance improv, The Wild Edge of Sorrow (41:50) — "It doesn't have to be overcoming" — inviting pain to the table instead (43:33) – The healing that comes through authentic connection, art and community (46:01) – The exhaustion of directing: disability, caregivers & communicating every need (49:49) – The Rolodex fantasy: needs, connection & “care fucking” (56:50) – Ableism in dating & the fear of not being enough for a partner (1:01:25) – Challenging conditioned thinking, Pleasure as Power (1:03:41) – Homework time: how are you finding pleasure this week? (1:03:47) — Kelsey: Dipsea app, self-pleasure & exploring orgasm in a new body without pressure (1:06:15) — Kate: masturbation as medicine, breathwork orgasms & the ice cream metaphor (1:10:00) – Ice cream as a metaphor for self-pleasure & exploration (1:13:06) — Outro

Episode 7: I Don't Want to Have to F*ck Everyone

Episode 7 is a slow burn—opening with Kelsey showing Kate her incense ritual, lighting it from between her lips—setting the tone for a conversation that’s honest, raw, and just a little dirty. This week, they dive into re-sensualization and the hot mess, highs, and lows along the path of adventurous pleasure. Together, they explore the possibilities—and risks—of taking pleasure too far, and what happens when we get caught in the moment and override our body’s cues. Kelsey shares the climactic consequences of slowing down and following her senses—literally—in the tub, and how these conversations and “pleasure practices” can guide both body and mind toward deeper regulation and peace. Kate opens up about riding the waves of life “reverse cowgirl style,” reflecting on how her self-pleasure practice as a single quad has evolved as she rewrites her relationship with trust. She speaks candidly about the fear of repeating old patterns with new partners, and how learning to listen to her body is teaching her entirely new ways to feel. Together, they unpack coping strategies for overwhelm and the dual nature of fantasy—how it can both disconnect us from ourselves and expand us into something more. References - Thoth Tarot Deck Large book by Aleister Crowley https://share.google/bovpzFUjgyb7P0vkR [https://share.google/bovpzFUjgyb7P0vkR] FetLife - https://share.google/aG59SPIno8tFZLvsC [https://share.google/aG59SPIno8tFZLvsC] Barbie Girl Song - Aqua. “Barbie Girl.” Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/track/7atIHMnLUJ5ikdnosz1GwU [https://open.spotify.com/track/7atIHMnLUJ5ikdnosz1GwU] The Quad Squad - https://www.facebook.com/groups/768461760410189/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/768461760410189/] (Awesome FB group with a pre-requisite of quadriplegia) Timestamps - (00:00) – Sexy, Skilled Incense Ritual  (01:47) – Intro (02:06) – Tarot Cards & Embodied Truth (04:05) – Kate’s Truth: Surviving (and riding) the chaos—Pleasure in the Mess  (06:35) – Disability, Sex & Safety listening to the body—navigating limits (09:04) – Orgasmic reflections & Truths of taking things too far (13:09) – Self-Pleasure milestones - Orgasms in the bathtub (15:45) – Celebrating changes since the start of PB (18:45) – The Gift of Slow Sensual Awareness  (24:00) – Fantasy: Liberation vs. Erasure (29:25) – Erotic imagination, Accessibility, and New Portals to Pleasure   (32:32) – Exploring the Excitement accompanied by New sexual experiences (36:09) – Self-pleasure, Independence, and Fear around future partners  (42:40) – Dirty, divine, and embodied—Reclaiming all parts of self  (44:00) – Kink, Platonic intimacy & Redefining connection beyond sex (48:13) – Physical Connection & Touch Post-Paralysis (51:52) – Rediscovering Sensation, Pleasure & the Body (53:14) – Playing with definitions of Spaces & Relations  (56:27) – Homework & Wrap-Up

Episode SEX: Giving & Receiving - Orgasms & Care

Welcome back, Pleasure Rebels! In Episode 6 (SEX), Kate and Kelsey are getting real, raw, and unapologetically honest. Kelsey shares a major milestone — her first orgasm with a partner post-injury — and what made that experience so expansive. From toy use and lube talk to autonomic dysreflexia and the art of checking in, they get into the nitty-gritty of navigating sex with a disability. The conversation goes deeper as Kate and Kelsey explore the shame around needing help, the radical power of receiving care, and how giving and receiving are truly symbiotic. Kate opens up about learning to feel safe in her body for the first time, navigating caregiving relationships, advocating for herself during vulnerable moments, and what it means to have sober sex — possibly for the first time in her adult life. They also dive into fantasies (and realizing whose might be ableist), the magic of long-distance intimacy, bridging fantasy into physical reality, the "Sacred Blow Job" guide, and why weird sex might just be the best sex. Honest, messy, and always pleasure-forward — this one's a ride. References: Layla Martin's Sacred Blowjob Guide - https://laylamartin.com/blowjob-guide [https://laylamartin.com/blowjob-guide] Body safe lube - https://getmaude.com/collections/lubricant [https://getmaude.com/collections/lubricant] Timestamps: (0:00) — Intro & Welcome to Episode SEX (0:51) — Episode topics preview: fantasies, sexy times, care & more (2:41) — Catching up: Kelsey's sexy holiday visitor (4:00) — Milestone moment: First orgasm with a partner post-injury (5:55) — Using a toy with a partner for the first time & dropping the ego (7:26) — Going too hard & learning the limits of autonomic dysreflexia (11:01) — Lube talk: water-based vs. silicone, and why it matters (13:42) — The shame of needing help & care as our ultimate currency (16:41) — Giving and receiving as symbiotic acts (19:43) — Kate on lacking safety, finding it & redifining (23:52) — Navigating caregiver relationships & intimacy (26:36) — Advocating for your body with a caregiver — even when it's scary (31:02) — Transitioning to: fantasies & long-distance intimacy (31:23) — When your own fantasies are ableist (and what changed that) (34:19) — Bridging fantasy into physical reality: their first meeting (39:35) — The Sacred Blow Job guide & creative positioning (45:47) — Quad sex = weird sex? Embracing unconventional pleasure (48:29) — Kate opens up about HSV, disclosure, and navigating intimacy (52:21) — Kink as shadow work & the power of leaning into discomfort (54:24) — Sober sex for the first time as a disabled adult (58:01) — Brainstorming how to ride the d (pool sex & slow motion) (59:55) — Teaser for next episode: sensation & sex as a quad (1:01:30) — Outro

Episode 5: Toys, Boys & Surrender

In Episode 5 of Pleasure Bound Kelsey and Kate explore “toys and boys,” pleasure practices, and navigating intimacy in changing bodies. Kate shares a vulnerable solo experience blending microdosing, meditation, and full-body pleasure, while Kelsey opens up about long-distance dating, sexting, and intimacy as a quadriplegic. Together, they touch on erotic mysticism, surrender, and the power of honesty and humor—This conversation is funny, raw, vulnerable—and full of the kind of truth that makes you feel less alone in your own body. Because pleasure isn’t about getting it “right.” It’s about being present for what’s actually here. And sometimes… that means letting it be a little weird. References: Sexual Outlaw, Erotic Mystic: The Essential Ida Craddock [https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1578634768/erotologynet-20] By: Vere Chappell Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power; A Method for Getting What You Want by Getting Off on What You Don't [https://www.amazon.com/Existential-Kink-audiobook/dp/B081QVG9LW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XYBNB2IGJ8KB&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MzqxaarK6HjsGWTO7oA8nsm_45ekm-CMIapW2t1sm80EKO26-v5N3PhbP992g5Y_g1mnvAjE8dOvsNLpw2HVzWBSmA7OOWv5jVjaZemcsdU1p4Ca9EPMeGC2Z5v0mGmOd9VSIIunfl0S5GM2fyQv5L7i9fKJPVfzPhFKZ5tgZ-i0sokV25mmHQEGCgYXYTUUXcfbWDjh_urCk8WjpYBpHmB-wWlMNdn-hFdQhWDahHw.aVA3D2HN78eTdbrGBNgIKHoAyvqCf_8eIiOsWR5Y4fc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Existential+kink&qid=1774918492&s=books&sprefix=existential+kink%2Cstripbooks%2C186&sr=1-1] By: Carolyn Elliott PhD  Dr. Joe Dispenza [https://drjoedispenza.com/] Product Links: Satisfyer Pro 2 Clitoral Vibrator: 2nd Generation - Vibrators | Adam & Eve https://share.google/ycTOBOdBrHCMZgDAm [https://share.google/ycTOBOdBrHCMZgDAm] EaZyHold Aqua Universal Cuff Hand Gripper, Silicone Adaptive Grip Aid https://share.google/cc6rPsC8uIm6ibvVR [https://share.google/cc6rPsC8uIm6ibvVR] Timestamps: (00:00) – Pleasure Bound Manifesto (01:36) – Episode Setup and Themes (02:44) – Kate Homework Wild Solo Session (04:15) – Erotic Mystic Inspiration (10:47) – Microdose, Crystal  (16:36) – Alien Orgasm Storytime (22:15) – Power in Surrender (23:20) – New Toys and The Rose (24:54) – Kelsey’s Long Distance Spark (27:30) – Dropping Expectations in Sexual Exploration (30:40) – Meditation Meets Pain (32:20) – Let go - Be Your Own Tender Lover (37:50) – Intimacy With Colostomy (40:54) – Keeping It Weird and Real (42:37) – Sexting as Energy Play (44:44) – Dating Older With Vulnerability (47:08) – Letting Go of Performance Pressure (47:10) – Owning Your Body and Truth (50:20) – Herpes Disclosure - Shame / Support (53:27) – Curiosity as Self Discovery (55:20) – Kelsey’s Homework -  Playful Desires (56:28) – Toy Stories and Pop Culture (58:30) – Kate’s Homework - Sensual Exploration  (1:01:11) – Holistic Caregiving & Sexual Health (1:03:43) – Sensory Tools & Sex Toys - Show and Tell (1:06:10) – Toy Intensity, “Sloth Sex” & Alchemizing Desires (1:11:19) – Positioning Hacks for Quads

Episode 4: What Makes You a Sacred Slut

In this deeply honest and expansive episode, Kate and Kelsey explore the intersection of pleasure, power, and the subconscious through the lens of shadow work, and self-discovery. From cosmic, full-body experiences of pleasure to unpacking shame around desire, the conversation weaves through personal revelations, evolving relationships with sexuality, and the ways we’ve been conditioned to disconnect from our bodies. The hosts dive into insights from Carolyn Elliott's book Existential Kink, to discuss the reclamation of taboo desires and reflect on how pleasure can be a pathway to healing, embodiment, and self-trust. This episode also touches on themes of disability, identity, aftercare, nontraditional intimacy, and the role of curiosity in expanding what’s possible within our bodies and our lives. If you’ve ever wondered what lies on the other side of shame—or how to access deeper, more authentic pleasure—this one’s for you. _ _ (00:00) – Cold Open (00:55) – Intro to Pleasure Bound (02:09) – Episode Kickoff (03:25) – Kate’s “Homework” Evolution (06:25) – Introducing Existential Kink (07:45) – Taboo, Shame, & Subconscious Desire (13:25) – Kate’s Kinky Dream (15:00) – Normalizing Pleasure & Being Seen (18:50) – Shadow, Disability, Identity & Power (20:00) – Power Dynamics, Submission & The Opportunity to Reframe (24:00) – Release. Emotional Orgasms (27:00) – Voice, Sound & Pleasure Activation (29:40) – Kelsey’s HW – New Romance & Fantasy (32:15) – Self-Pleasure & Aftercare Awareness (38:45) – SCI Orgasm, Sensation & Body Awareness (43:30) – Excavating the Sacred Slut (46:30) – Rewriting Expectations Around Orgasm & Desire (48:50) – Microdosing & Emotional Processing (50:50) – Divinity, Grief & Heightened Sensation (57:35) – Safety, Responsibility & Personal Choice (1:02:00) – Homework & Closing Reflections _ _ ⚠️ Content & Wellness Disclaimers This episode contains open and explicit conversations about sexuality, kink, self-pleasure, and adult themes. Listener discretion is advised. ⚠️ Wellness & Personal Responsibility Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and perspectives for educational and storytelling purposes only. Discussions around topics such as embodiment practices, sexuality, and altered states of consciousness—including references to psilocybin—are not intended as medical, therapeutic, or legal advice. Any decisions regarding your body, mental health, or substance use should be made with informed consent and in consultation with qualified professionals where appropriate. Listeners are encouraged to research, understand local laws and regulations, and prioritize their safety and well-being.